YANGON, Myanmar (CU)_18 people were reportedly killed, while more than 30 others were injured, after security forces fired on demonstrators in the deadliest protests in Myanmar since the February 1 military coup, the United Nations Human Rights Office says.
“Throughout the day, in several locations throughout the country, police and military forces have confronted peaceful demonstrations, using lethal force and less-than-lethal force,” UN human rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement.
The statement also urged the country’s military to “immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protesters”.
Last week, UN special rapporteur, Tom Andrews, called on UN member states and the Security Council to take action against the country’s security forces, adding that it was “imperative” for the international community to “ratchet up” its response to the state of affairs in the Southeast Asian country.
“As the military junta of Myanmar ratchets up its violence against the people, I believe it is imperative that the international community ratchet up its response,” Andrews said in a statement.
The special rapporteur also laid out several options for member states and the Council, including a global arms embargo and sanctions against businesses owned or controlled by the military. Furthermore, Andrews urged countries which have already imposed certain sanctions on the junta to “immediately consider more”.
Meanwhile, the United States condemned the bloody crackdown on Sunday and hinted at additional actions, since Washington imposed sanctions on the military leaders who directed the coup, earlier last month.
“We are preparing additional actions to impose further costs on those responsible for this latest outbreak of violence and the recent coup. We will have more to share in the coming days,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.
The European Union was also among those who criticised the use of violence against protesters, describing the shooting at unarmed citizens a “blatant disregard for international law”.
“The military authorities must immediately stop the use of force against civilians and allow the population to express their right to freedom of expression and assembly,” EU Minister of Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell said.
During Sunday’s bloody protests, the military used rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons and in some cases live ammunition. Media videos showed some of the injured demonstrators being dragged away from protests, leaving bloody smears on pavements.
However, last week, the commander of the junta Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said the military was using “minimal force” to deal with the protests, although more than 20 demonstrators are reported to be killed during these demonstrations.
